Pastors Shift Tone as Congregants Reevaluate Support for Trump
A quiet yet notable shift is underway among evangelicals and Catholics, as they distance themselves from Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. Many pastors are avoiding political sermons, encouraging their congregants to step back from Trumpism without alienating family members who still support the former president. This trend, described as “quiet quitting,” reflects deep discomfort with Trump’s rhetoric, immigration policies, and embrace of Christian nationalism.
Immigration Tactics Spark Moral Concerns Among Christians
Images of federal agents arresting immigrants while they picked up their children have shocked many in the faith community. Evangelical and Catholic leaders have condemned the lifting of bans on arrests within churches and the administration’s slashing of humanitarian aid. These moves have driven some faithful to reconsider their alignment with Trump’s vision, prompting grassroots movements like Leaving MAGA to gain traction.
‘Leaving MAGA’ Movement Sees Rapid Growth
Rich Logis, a former MAGA supporter and founder of Leaving MAGA, reports a sharp rise in interest. The group’s online manual, advising on how to disengage from the MAGA movement gently, has surged in popularity, with subscribers growing from 1,500 to over 35,000 this year. Contributing factors include disillusionment over Trump’s stance on the Epstein files and ongoing culture wars within the church.
Evangelical Leaders Weigh Risks of Speaking Out
Leaders like Doug Pagitt of Vote Common Good and Pastor Dave Gibbons report growing unease in their churches. Thousands of congregations have downloaded toolkits on confronting Christian nationalism. However, pastors remain cautious; they fear backlash from pro-Trump members, especially when invoking Scripture to support compassion for immigrants and the less affluent.
Cracks Appear in Trump’s Religious Base
While white evangelical support for Trump remains high, it is slipping. A PRRI survey shows approval among Latino Protestants has dropped to 48%, down from the 64% who voted for him in 2024. White evangelical approval has also fallen from 85% to 72%. The trend could influence upcoming elections, especially as moderate Christians consider running for office as Democrats.
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